Section I - CODE OF ETHICS

Transcription

1 Sample NAR Organizational Alignment - Core Standards Certification Form Association ID: 0001 Association Name: National Association of Realtors President: Sample President President Elect: Sample President Elect Executive Officer: Sample Association Executive 430 N. Michigan Ave Chicago, ILL Phone: Fax: mail@mail.com Please save your data as you complete this form. If you lose connectivity, you will lose your work. Mandatory Core Standards for Association of REALTORS te: State Associations may, at their discretion, request additional documentation from local associations to confirm compliance with the Mandatory Core Standards for Associations of REALTORS Save and Return Later --or-- Submit Core Standards Certification form Section I - CODE OF ETHICS A. Core Standard: Every association will enforce the new and continuing member Code of Ethics training requirement established in Article IV of the NAR Bylaws. 1. Does the association track member compliance with the requirement of 2.5 hours of training on the REALTOR Code of Ethics for new and existing members. B. Core Standard: Every association will maintain a viable professional standards process to enforce the Code of Ethics and provide arbitration and mediation as member services. Associations must have a fully functioning professional standards committee with administrative capability to conduct the program, or must administer professional standards enforcement through a multi-board (or regional) professional standards agreement with other associations or with the state association. 2. Does the association have a professional standards committee? 3. Does the association participate in a multi-board (or regional) professional standards agreement with other associations or with the state association? If yes, list the names of the other participating associations C. Core Standard: Every association will link its website to the Code of Ethics/professional standards resources available online by the NAR and the state association. These materials will be available to members and to consumers at the website. 4. Website URL: D. Core Standard: Every association will provide mediation services to members as required by Article IV of the NAR Bylaws. Associations may also offer ombudsman services to members and their clients and customers and, if available in the state, may implement a citation enforcement policy.

2 5. Does the association provide mediation as a member service? If yes, Please list the name(s) of the association s mediators 6. Does the association offer ombudsman services? If yes, Please list the name(s) of the association s ombudspersons 7. Does the association utilize a citation system of discipline? Section II - ADVOCACY A. Core Standard: 8. Unless prohibited by state law and in recognition of state law differences, each association will include in their dues billing a voluntary investment for RPAC in an amount adequate to meet the NAR RPAC established goal. Please upload a sample dues billing statement. RPAC Dues Billing "above the line" (strongly recommended) RPAC Dues Billing "below the line" 9. Associations may instead include in their dues billing a voluntary investment for the Political Advocacy Fund (PAF) in an amount adequate to meet the NAR RPAC established goal. Please upload a sample dues billing statement. PAF Dues Billing above the line PAF Dues Billing below the line 10. Alternatively, the association can meet the NAR RPAC established goal by other legal means, if preferred (i.e., making a corporate investment for the full amount of the NAR established RPAC goal). The association did not include an RPAC contribution option for members in its dues billing but instead met this requirement by (check one): Corporate contribution in the full amount of the NAR established goal PAC to PAC transfer in the full amount of the NAR established goal te: Funds are to be sent to RPAC or the PAF (individually or collectively by/through the State Association). The intent of this Standard is to provide the best opportunity for every association to meet its goal. B. Core Standard: Each association will provide or distribute information and communications from NAR and the applicable state association, regarding the value of investing in and the benefits received from the individual s participation in RPAC at all three levels (local, state and national) of the organization. 11. The association met the above requirement by educating and communicating with members about RPAC. If yes, please identify the method(s) used to communicate with your membership about RPAC. Please check each that applies: RPAC Brochures/flyers Newsletter (online or print) RPAC on Website RPAC Campaigns RPAC presenations at membership meetings RPAC presentations at office meetings Other digital materials Other print materials

3 C. Core Standard: Every association will demonstrate significant participation in NAR Calls for Action delivered through the REALTOR Action Center. 12. Please check the methods used to acquire significant participation and upload at least one example: Promoted on Association Website Promoted in Association newsletter Promoted by separate Promoted using social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Other digital materials Other printed materials (te: State associations will monitor local association participation through the REALTOR Action Center Response Reports D. Core Standard: Every association will demonstrate significant participation (if applicable) in State Calls for Action delivered through the REALTOR Action Center or other program for the distribution of Calls For Action. 13. Please check the methods used to generate significant participation and upload an example of at least one method utilized: Promoted on Association Website Promoted in Association newsletter Promoted by separate Promoted using social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Other digital materials Other printed materials (te: State associations will determine the methods used to monitor participation.) E. Core Standard: Every association shall demonstrate advocacy engagement. 14. Please attach examples demonstrating REALTOR Political Party initiatives implemented by the association such as: Conducted Candidate Independent Expenditure Races Requested and used Candidate Polling & Research Hosted a Candidate Training Academy Submitted comments or had members testify on proposed real estate related legislation or regulation Issues Mobilization Program Issues Polling & Research REALTOR Party Hub for Call for Action or other Advocacy Engagement Broker Involvement Program Polling & Research (members) Voter Registration Initiative (members) Advocating for public policy in other ways (please upload an example) Other (please upload materials) (te: Associations can verify activity, get ideas from other associations, and find information about REALTOR Party programs by visiting the REALTOR Party Tracker at (te: You can attach multiple files, one at a time) Section III - CONSUMER OUTREACH A. Core Standard: Every association will engage in not less than four meaningful consumer engagement activities annually, reflected by: (i) Being the Voice for Real Estate - promoting market statistics and/or real estate trends and issues (e.g., release through press releases, interviews, etc. of MLS statistics, local market statistics, NAR research reports, local/state analysis of NAR statistics, etc.); (ii) Community involvement - promoting the value proposition of using a REALTOR and/or engaging in community activities which enhance the image of the REALTOR ; (iii) Advocacy efforts - engaging the public in legislative/political issues that impact real estate and related issues; and (iv) Community investment Organizing human resources (i.e., assisting in a Habitat for Humanity build, etc.) or fundraising for the benefit of charitable/community organizations. (te: To meet this requirement, every association must conduct activities in at least 3 of the 4 categories during the year.) (i) Being the Voice for Real Estate 15. Check the activity or activities your association has completed:

4 Highlight local, state or national real estate data in a news release or direct outreach to local reporters. If yes, upload a sample news release, copy of an pitch to reporters, screen capture of an exchange on Twitter or other social media venue, or copy of an article or news segment that mentions your association in connection with real estate market data. 16. Arrange interviews with association leadership to provide context to local real estate data. If yes, upload a copy of an pitch to reporters, screen capture of an exchange on Twitter or other social media venue, or copy of an article or news segment that mentions your association s leadership in connection with real estate market data. 17. Identify local angles of data from NAR research reports (residential, commercial or global/international) and reach out to local reporters. If yes, upload a sample news release, copy of an pitch to reporters, screen capture of an exchange on Twitter or other social media venue, or copy of an article or news segment that mentions your association s leadership in connection with real estate market data. 18. Use social media (Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook) to share local real estate data insights, and retweet NAR Research insights. If yes, upload a screen capture of any related social media exchange. 19. Conduct deskside briefings with local editors to share insights from the local MLS, commercial information exchange, and association-generated real estate data. If yes, provide a brief summary of briefing attendees (outlet, editor, association representatives), date of meeting and topics discussed. (ii) Community involvement 20. Check the activity or activities your association has participated in or completed and attach examples of materials demonstrating community involvement. Leading with Diversity Workshop Expanding Housing Opportunities Class Employer-Assisted Housing Class Workforce Housing Forums Smart Growth for the 21st Century Course Check the activity or activities your association has completed: 21. Run a TV, radio or print ad from NAR s Consumer Advertising Campaign in a local media outlet. If yes, upload a scanned copy or screen capture of the advertising as it ran in the media outlet. 22. Reach out to reporters to suggest stories that demonstrate members value to home buyers and sellers. If yes, upload a sample news release, copy of an pitch to reporters, screen capture of an exchange on Twitter or other social media venue, or copy of an article or news segment that mentions your association or association spokesperson in connection with a story about Realtor value to home buyers and sellers. 23. Reach out to reporters to suggest stories that demonstrate members value to small business owners, retailers and other commercial businesses.

5 If yes, upload a sample news release, copy of an pitch to reporters, screen capture of an exchange on Twitter or other social media venue, or copy of an article or news segment that mentions your association or association spokesperson in connection with a story about Realtor value to business owners or commercial investors. 24. Sponsor or participate in job or small business fairs. If yes, upload copies of the promotional materials for the job or small business fair that include mentions of your association. 25. Sponsor homeownership fairs. If yes, upload copies of the promotional materials for the homeownership fair that include mentions of your association. 26. Sponsor a tour of vacant commercial property. If yes, upload copies of the promotional materials for the tour that include mentions of your association. 27. Sponsor a seminar on how to invest in commercial property. If yes, upload copies of the promotional materials for the seminar that include mentions of your association. 28. Promote a local open-house weekend. If yes, upload copies of the promotional materials for the open-house weekend that include mentions of your association 29. Provide materials that help members reach out to consumers directly. If yes, upload samples of these materials and explain below how these materials were made available to members, including postings on Social Media sites or by Reach out to Consumers and Homeowners and tell them what your association has accomplished in public policy issues of concern to them. If yes, provide materials (ie: a press story, a Tweet or Facebook posting, a summary of the legislation or regulation, etc.) that demonstrates that your association accomplished and attained a specific result in the public policy area of interest to consumers. 31. Provide materials that help members reach out to businesses directly. If yes, upload samples of these materials and explain below how these materials were made available to members. (iii) Advocacy efforts

6 32. Check the activity or activities your association has participated in or completed and attach examples of materials demonstrating advocacy engagement. Utilized the Land Use Initiative Conducted a poll using the State & Local Growth Polling Program Distributing On Common Ground Magazine to public officials Candidate Independent Expenditure Races Candidate Polling & Research Candidate Training Academy Issues Mobilization Program Issue Polling & Research Other (please upload materials) 33. Submit an op-ed or letter to the editor of the local newspaper addressing the issue at hand. If yes, upload a copy of the op-ed or letter to the editor, or a copy of the placement itself. 34. Conduct a town hall meeting to address the relevant local issues. If yes, upload a copy of the promotional materials for the town hall meeting or media coverage of the meeting. 35. Mobilize members to ask their clients and customers to contact their local representative about the issue. If yes, upload a copy of the materials and/or communications you provided to members for this purpose, and explain below how you distributed this information to REALTORS. (iv) Community investment 36. Check the activity or activities your association has participated in or completed and attach examples of materials demonstrating community investment. Diversity Initiative Grants Housing Opportunity Grants Smart Growth Grants Placemaking Micro-Grant Commercial Innovation Grant Global Achievement Award Other activity (please upload examples) 37. Participate in a Habitat for Humanity build. If yes, upload a copy of related member communications, photos or news coverage of association/realtor participation in the build. 38. Organize REALTOR participation in a community fundraising drive or event, such as a local walkathon, donation drive, or volunteering at a homeless shelter. If yes, upload a copy of related member communications, photos or news coverage of association/realtor participation in the event. 39. Organize a fundraiser activity such as a golf tournament, with proceeds benefitting a community organization.

7 If yes, upload a copy of related member communications, photos or news coverage of association/realtor participation in the event. (te: You can attach multiple files, one at a time) Section IV - UNIFICATION EFFORTS AND SUPPORT FOR THE REALTOR ORGANIZATION A. Core Standard: Every association s bylaws and MLS bylaws (if incorporated) and MLS rules and regulations must be reviewed and approved by NAR at least every two (2) years. 40. Date of Last Approval by NAR: select B. Core Standard: Every association will maintain, have access to or will have legal counsel available. 41. Name and Contact Information for Association Legal Counsel: C. Core Standard: Every association s policies and procedures shall conform to local, state and federal laws, including the filing of necessary reports and documents (e.g., corporate documents, state and federal tax returns, etc.). 42. Date of last filing of state and federal tax returns or other required forms: select 43. Date of last filing of any corporate documents required by state law: select D. Core Standard: Every association shall have a business or strategic plan, including an advocacy component. 44. Date of adoption of current strategic plan: select Attach the association s current strategic and/or business plan. (te: Strategic plans and business plans will only be available to/viewable by the National Association, and will not be available to or viewable by the state association or other local associations.) E. Core Standard: Every association s chief paid staff must attend at least six hours of REALTOR association professional development on an annual basis (i.e., state, regional or national). 45. Program(s) completed and date: (te: You can attach multiple files, one at a time) Section V - TECHNOLOGY A. Core Standard: Every association must have an interactive website (defined as the ability to move between websites and create active links), post access to professional standards and arbitration filing processes on the website and create a link to the websites of the other levels of the association for promotion of member programs, products and services. 46. Website URL: B. Core Standard: Every association must utilize an and/or internet based means for member communication. (te: This requirement is met by maintaining an interactive website.) Section VI - FINANCIAL SOLVENCY A. Core Standard: Every association must adopt policies to ensure the fiscal integrity of their financial operations. These financial policies might cover topics and subjects such as: fraud awareness and prevention budgeting dues collection financial information disclosure officer, member, and staff travel investing reserve levels payment policies

8 compliance reporting compensation revenue recognition asset capitalization financial reporting conflicts of interest whistleblower document retention 47. Attach a copy of the association s financial policies B. Core Standard: Every association must have an annual audit, review or compilation conducted by a CPA. Please refer to the FAQs available on Realtor.org for definitions/explanations. te: Only those associations with gross revenue of less than $50,000 are permitted to meet the Standard using a compilation report. State and national dues and assessment amounts are not considered to be revenue for purposes of this measurement. 48. Date of last financial audit/review/compilation: Name of the individual or firm conducting the review: Year end to which the report relates: If an audit, what type of opinion was received: (te: Any association considering bankruptcy must first obtain NAR s consent to file for bankruptcy. Any association that declares bankruptcy will be subject to automatic charter review.) (te: You can attach multiple files, one at a time) Core Standards Certification Form Agreement I confirm that the Association President, President-Elect and Association Executive of this association have reviewed and approved this application. Save and Return Later --or-- Submit Core Standards Certification form Update History Nicholas Fitsalos 09/16/ :38:35 PM Nicholas Fitsalos 09/16/ :38:38 PM Nicholas Fitsalos 09/16/ :04:02 PM Nicholas Fitsalos 09/16/ :16:08 PM Robert Authier 09/16/ :21:36 PM Robert Authier 09/16/ :27:12 PM Robert Authier 09/16/ :33:08 PM Nick Fitsalos 09/16/ :49:34 PM Nick Fitsalos 09/19/ :40:22 AM Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Headquarters: 430 rth Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL DC Office: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC